Sudden Death of Mr Edward P W. Miles,

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 354, 27 March 1889, Page 2

Sudden Death of Mr Edward P W. Miles,

We regret to have to chronicle the death of Mr E. P. W. Miles, head of the firm of Miles Bros., of London and Christchurch, and of Miles, Archer, and Co., Timaru, who expired somewhat suddenly on Friday morning last of heart disease, at the residence of Mr E. W. Hanmer, Manawaru, Te Aroha, where he was on a visit. The following are, as far as we can learn, the particulars relating to his death : — Mr Miles, it appears, retired to his bed the night previous in an apparently good state of health, and his wife (who accompanied him) on waking next morning found him breathing rather heavily, and fearing something was wrong called Mr Hanmer, who despatched a messenger with all possible haste to Te Aroha for medical assistance. Dr. Cooper immediately proceeded to Mr Hanmer's, but on his arrival he found Mr Miles had expired. The remains were sent on to Auckland on Saturday last, accompanied by Mr Hanmer. The deceased gentleman had for a great number of years been connected with New Zealand enterprise, taking a large interest in colonial matters in his capacity as head of the firms referred to, also as director of the Union Bank of Australia in London, as director of the New Zealand Shipping Co., and as director of the London and Westminster Bank, and other- important institutions in London. He has been identifed with the colonies for a great number of years, having first started a large business in Melbourne, but he came to New Zealand in the early days, when Lyttelton was first founded, and, seeing a good opening, he transferred his business to Christchurch, where it has been carried on successfully ever since. Since Mr Miles went to London permanently he has frequently visited New Zealand, and on this, his last visit, he had been nearly twelve months in the colony. He had been in failing health for some timo, but feeling somewhat recovered, he came up to Auckland last Tuesday, and came on to Te Aroha on a visit to Mr Hanmer, intending to leave for England by the mail steamer, Alameda, via San Francisco, on her next trip. As Mr Miles was under medical treatment, a certificate as to the cause of death was procured, thus obviating any necessity for an inquest. The deceased gentleman was 60 years of age.